He had developed the gambling passion--or else a mere card mania--but at any rate he played heavily, for relaxation, with a lot of dubious hangers on.
Meantime Mrs.de Barral, expecting him every day, lived at the Priory, with a carriage and pair, a governess for the child and many servants.
The village people would see her through the railings wandering under the trees with her little girl lost in her strange surroundings.

Nobody ever came near her.

And there she died as some faithful and delicate animals die--from neglect, absolutely from neglect, rather unexpectedly and without any fuss.

The village was sorry for her because, though obviously worried about something, she was good to the poor and was always ready for a chat with any of the humble folks.

Of course they knew that she wasn't a lady--not what you would call a real lady.